2008. Having not released any various-artists compilations in the past decade, Hypnos released in 2007 a new compilation ounds of a Universe Overheard featuring a diverse array of ambient soundscape artists from around the world. We are proud to follow last year's release with its "mirror image" compilation, which we believe meets or exceeds that high standard.

Here are another 10 exclusive tracks by 10 artists who have not appeared on Hypnos compilations before, though some of these artists will certainly be familiar to followers of our label. Message From a Subatomic World in comparison to its predecessor is perhaps a bit more abstract and deep-space, more mysterious and strange, whereas Sounds of a Universe Overheard is a bit more musical and structured overall.

THE ARTISTS

Austere - This elusive duo has released two albums with Hypnos in the past year, Solyaris on Hypnos and Pulse on Hypnos Secret Sounds. They've also ranged over a wide sonic territory with previous self-released projects during the past decade.

Evan Bartholomew - Perhaps best known for the rhythmic electronica he records as Bluetech, Evan has just recently started releasing ambient work under his own name, and recently launched his own Somnia label.

Relapxych.0 - is Anders Peterson from Sweden, experimenting with combining field recordings with musical instruments and approaches, creating musical ambience rather than ambient music. Visit www.ghostsounds.net

Numina - Certainly familiar to Hypnos listeners, Numina has released 3 great CDs on our label, and he has been one of the great new names in the ambient music world this past 5 years.

Phaenon - Real name Szymon Tankiewicz, his debut album was released on the Malignant label, and he has relocated from his native Poland to Maryland, USA.

Stephen Philips - Also familiar to Hypnos listeners, Stephen runs the Dark Duck Records label on which he has many releases under several identities, in addition to his two releases on our label.

True Color of Blood - Alter ego of Eric Kesner, who uses treated and layered electric guitars to craft unique and challenging ambient drone works, which he has released on labels like Gears of Sand, Eibon and Afe.

Svartsinn - This Norwegian dark ambient artist has several prior releases, mostly on the Cyclic Law label, and is a frequent live performer around the world.

Oophoi - No other name has gone from obscurity to such high regard among ambient listeners in such a short time, and this Italian master of the atmospheric drone has been greatly prolific, counting among his releases two projects on Hypnos, Athlit as a solo artist, and Distance to Zero with Paul Vnuk Jr. of Ma Ja Le.

So I'm curious, given the very heavy demand for this one right off the bat, what has attracted listeners to this one? It seems to be selling faster than our last compilation, Sounds of a Universe Overhead (though some people are buying both of them together now), and I was wondering if there were certain artists especially attracting people to this one?

NUMINA, OOPHOI, and AUSTERE. The first two haven't heard anything new from them in awhile (discounting Oophoi's Glacial Movements disc). After the awesome "Solyaris" disc by Austere, look forward to anything new from them. I bought Sounds of Universe when it first came out and found it a very high quality compilation (as all Hypnos comps.) I'm also looking forward to discovering some names I was not familiar with previously. Will post my impressions of course when my copy shows up...

First impressions: I didn't find this companion to Sounds of a Universe Overheard noticeably darker, stranger, or less musical, but pretty similar actually. Like Universe, the second half (tracks 6-10) seemed to "kick in" for me more than the first half, for whatever reason. Not to say I didn't like the first five tracks, they are all good. If I had to pick a favorite track, I'd go with Phaenon's "Quantum Silence," will have to investigate this artist further after this for sure. Stephen Philips' "Down Deep" is another standout piece for me. Oophoi's "Ice Light" is a perfect album closer and will not disappoint any Oophoi-fanatics. Well done by all involved. Looking forward to the next comp. of all female artists!

For me it was a combination of the amazingly beautiful artwork and fantabulous name. Getting a perspective on a varied group of Hypnos artists was of course the other factor. But sometimes I find myself becoming ensnared by a beautiful cover, especially for ambient music.

I jumped to get mine largely on the inclusion of Austere, Numina, Sloan and Philips. But moreso, it was how impressed I was with the seamless flow of "Sounds..." that made me want more and expect much of another Hypnos compilation. Mike, you've not only got a good stable of artists here, but you've got a great ear/mind for patching their work together.

I have to agree with drone on--I don't think this is that much darker than "Sounds..." Makes a very good companion listen, actually. And the blend of Phaenon into Philips is a very, very nice and deep ride. My only issue with the disk, and it's minor, is the jarring start to Relapxych.0's piece after about 20 minutes of calm from Austere and Evan Bartholomew. (I was dozing to this in the car with Babygogue while Wife of Hypnagogue was shopping, and the clash 'n clatter literally made me jump!)

Much beauty on this disk, and a pleasing addition to my Hypnos collection.

g.@.b.

For me the purchase was a fait accompli based upon my love of compilation discs (can't beat the variety) as well as Hypnos' (read M. Griffin's) reputation for delivering a great product (packaging, art, sounds, etc.)...there's just something about a Hypnos production that makes me eagerly anticipate the Postman's footsteps.

As for the content of disc 2...I'd say possibly more stark...or slightly more somber than "...Overheard". But whatever the description, I've had it on discman for 5 consecutive plays since receiving it last Friday as well as in my car, Saturday, during a 3 hour drive to pick up my kids from Summer camp (had to play their music on the way back, though).

I'll provide specific feedback, by tune, after I've processed it a bit more...

My copy received yesterday which even by Hypnos's high standards is pretty good going (took less than a week to get here - UK).

As soon as I first heard about this compilation a few months ago, I knew it was going to be an obligatory purchase. My reasons for that? Well, first up and forgive the fanboy mentality but it's a Hypnos compilation and from the high quality of previous compilations, I knew even if "...Subatomic" just matched those in quality it would be an essential buy and an album I'd come back to time and time again. Secondly there's the mix of artists - some familiar faces and some whose music is new to me. Yet from previous compilations, I knew all the tracks would blend perfectly into a cohesive and very satisfying "whole".

My verdict? Well from start to finish, a fantastic album - top selection of artists and music which is quite simply breathtaking. The blend of beauty and bleakness that's sustained throughout the course of the album is spot on and it showcases very nicely just what makes the Hypnos label so special. I read Mike's comment that this album has attracted a lot of interest - rightly so IMO.

Ok, so did it live up to my expectations? You bet it did. I love the more spacey feel to this compilation and it definitely isn't a case of Hypnos playing safe and releasing "Sounds of a Universe..." Part II. Well, I for one can't wait until the next compilation.